Added Video of M Laptimer App in Use at Watkins Glen
(By BIMMERPOST member wmandra (Bill))

Precise, real-time racing-style telematics for BMW Enthusiasts.

BMW Group Technology Office USA announced today the release of the BMW M Laptimer App. The BMW M Laptimer App is made for BMW Brand vehicles with the BMW Apps option, and is now available in the iTunes Store.

Previewed in June 2013 (see BIMMERPOST preview video below) and intended for off-road use only, the BMW M Laptimer App records data from a BMW Apps–equipped vehicle’s on-board network and GPS receiver to create comparative track sessions and provide essential performance information. It generates track maps and captures essential driving data including top speed, number of laps, best lap time and ambient temperature. Information is then presented on the scorecard screen when the vehicle is no longer in motion.

The BMW M Laptimer provides highly visual depictions of throttle, speed, brake input, engine RPM, fuel level, and g-force. Users can easily zoom in and out, and rewind or fast forward through track recordings. BMW M Laptimer will automatically calculate laps and times for the user without the need for pre-installed track map data. The App can be used on virtually any closed circuit.

A Comparison Mode gives users the ability to view individual or dual runs in real-time. Users can select their own laps or compare against a lap sent by another BMW driver. Users may also share track day results with friends to compare data. Additionally, users can post results through social media integration, including Facebook and Twitter.

Go to settings and choose Itunes and App Store then click on your iTunes id and select view. Change your location to be US. Then enter payment information, choose Method to be None. Next put in any valid address (only need the city and state - I chose Cupertino CA for the irony of it).

Then put in a phone number with a 3 digit area code and (I think) 7 digits for the rest. now you are done.

Go back to this post and click the link - and you will go straight to the app in the US iTunes store. Once you have downloaded it, you will of course have to set your details back using the same method as above to be your home location.

Takes 5 mins from start to finish and you will have the app.

BMW Announcement Video

BIMMERPOST Video Demo

Screenshots:

BMW M Power App

BIMMERPOST BMW M Laptimer App Review

BIMMERPOST review:

In short, the M Power App records data from the various automotive sensors in the car and uses that information to record track sessions and provide:

lap times and scorecard view

real-time review of the lap (with comparison modes)

important technical data

throttle input

steering input

braking force

G-force

RPM

fuel efficiency

Two of my favorite features of the app include the head-to-head ghost comparison mode and the custom track generator feature.

The app can generate custom tracks on the fly, so you aren't limited to only using the app for its preprogrammed tracks. This feature will be useful for autocross, custom tracks or regular trips to your grocery store.

The head-to-head ghost comparison mode lets you compare two separate laps and view both runs on the track map in real time. It's a great way to see where one lap gained or lost time to the other. The two laps chosen for comparison can both be the user's own laps, or compared against a lap sent to the user by anyone else (friend, track instructor, etc.). Enough talk, you can see best for yourself in the video below.

The app was demoed to us by two fellas from the BMW Technology Office - Phil Johnston, Product Manager for the BMW Group Apps Platform and Paul Doersch, the US Product Manager and Technical Lead for the M Power App.

Hope so too!! This is the second time this week I was excited about a cool app and while trying to download it find out it's US only. Why does the Canadian App Store have to be so behind? I'm sure we'll get it, just a bit later than the people down south.